A FEW weeks ago I mentioned a project involving the study of wildlife in churchyards and said I would explore some of our local churchyards.

Last week I visited St Mary's Church at Newchurch, Pendle. This lovely old church is beautifully maintained inside and outside. Greenfinch, robin, blue tit and blackbird were all in full song and a pair of collared doves were displaying with gusto.

Speedwell, primrose, dandelion and lesser celendine were all in evidence although some were beginning to fade. None of these wild flowers in any way detracted from the appearance of the churchyard.

Many graves had lichens encrusted on them and experts would be able to calculate how old these long lived plants are via their growth rings can be counted in the same way as counting the annual rings on trees.

The church began as a chapel of ease in 1250, but the present building consists of a 1544 tower while the rest of the church dates to around 1740.

When you think that sites such as churchyards have not been disturbed for centuries, it's not surprising the natural history is so rich.

While sitting quietly on a bench I watched a weasel hunting without success and nearby a robin was carrying food to a nest of youngsters.

To find out more about wildlife in churchyards contact:

The Living Churchyard and Cemetery Project, The Arthur Rank Centre, The National Agriculture Centre,Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LZ. Telephone number 02476 853060, fax 02476 414808.